How to Edit Videos on Linux: 7 Easy Tips

When you’re working with video, you want the best tools available, with the most flexibility and the most user-friendly interface. That’s where Linux stands out. Linux is an operating system that has been steadily gaining popularity over the years due to its stability, open-source features, and overall power. It’s also becoming an increasingly popular choice for video editing. Join us as we explore simple techniques and tips to help you get the most out of your Linux video editing experience.

7 Tips to editing Video on Linux

Use a dedicated video editing software

There are plenty of dedicated video editing software options available for Linux users. VistaCreate is a powerful all-in-one suite that includes comprehensive tools for everything from trimming clips to adding effects and transitions to creating entire projects from scratch. You can use this top-notch video resizer online and share your work between devices without losing progress. 

Other good tools you may consider using are Blender and Kdenlive. Utilizing selected software gives you access to features such as time-saving keyboard shortcuts, color-grading tools, and audio editing capabilities. As you become more familiar with your chosen software’s features, you’ll be able to create more complex and exciting video projects.

2. Learn keyboard shortcuts

As you become more experienced in video editing, you’ll learn that mastering keyboard shortcuts can make all the difference in the speed and efficiency of your editing process. The keyboard shortcuts available in each software will be slightly different, but they usually include commands for playing/stopping video, zooming in/out, and other actions. These shortcuts will help you make quick edits without fumbling around the menus for the correct command. 

Popular Linux video editing software options feature openly documented keyboard shortcuts, allowing you to quickly browse through and learn the essential commands. Check any tool you pick and learn its shortcuts list beforehand.

3. Take advantage of the command line

Another powerful tool in the Linux toolkit is the command line. Command-line tools like FFmpeg can be used for advanced tasks that would otherwise require a lot of manual labor. Such tasks include batch-converting video files, applying filters, and splicing clips together. 

Using command-line tools can take a bit of getting used to, as the interface differs from a traditional graphical interface. But with a few tutorials and basic guides, you’ll soon be able to use the command line. You can also find multiple helpful resources online that include examples of specific commands and their uses. 

4. Utilize transparency and layers  

If you’re creating more complex projects, try to utilize transparency and layers to design effects. Many tools offer features for creating different effects with clarity, such as alpha channel masks, motion tracking, and more. These options will let you add extra depth and dynamism to your creative projects. 

5. Learn to use audio editing tools

Audio is an important yet often overlooked element of video editing. Good audio can distinguish between a mediocre clip and a great one. Luckily, Linux accepts various audio editing software. Popular options include Audacity for recording and editing audio files and Ardour for multi-track recording and mixing. You can use Audacity to apply effects such as compression and equalization to individual audio files. Ardour, in turn, enables you to record multiple tracks at once and mix them with precision. 

6. Use color correction and grading tools

Color correction and grading tools in Linux video editing software empower you to adjust your project’s look. Color grading tools are handy for polishing the overall look of a video, making it more professional. They also allow you to correct issues caused by poor lighting or other problems related to the production process. 

For example, you can use color grading tools that adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, and other parameters. You can also apply LUTs (lookup tables) to your footage, giving your clips a specific look or feel. 

7. Preview your edits before exporting

It’s important to preview your work every step of the way to make sure it looks the way you want it to. Previewing your edits before exporting is a critical part of the editing process because it allows you to ensure you’ve achieved the desired effect and make any necessary adjustments. 

Try to be as critical as possible when doing that. Look for any mistakes or inconsistencies that may have gone unnoticed during earlier stages of the process. This will help ensure that your final project looks and sounds great. 

Common issues that users may encounter while editing videos on Linux

Common issues you may face while editing visual pieces on your computer include slow or choppy playback, crashing/freezing when exporting a project, errors when trying to open files, and more. Whatever these issues, you can do a number of things to tackle them. 

For instance, if you’re experiencing slow or choppy playback, you should check if any other programs running in the background might be consuming resources. If you’re having trouble opening files, you can try downloading the latest software version and updating any necessary drivers. Assume you encounter error messages. In that case, you may be able to find troubleshooting guides or screenshots of the error message to help you figure out what’s causing the problem. 

Conclusion

As Linux users, we have access to robust video editing tools at our fingertips. With these seven easy tips, you can easily edit and create high-quality clips. Along the way, experiment with the different tools available to you to find the perfect editing solution for your next project. With a strong foundation in Linux video editing, you can create fantastic projects in no time!